On Monday, August 2nd, we arose early preparing to travel into town to carry Me-Maw to the airport. She was happy but sad to go. She was anxious to see Paw-Paw Warren. She departed at 7:30 am and we left to the RCC. Again, on arriving, within minutes, the children came running and surrounded us. We are beginning to make a permanent bond with them. Kevin and Geoffrey discussed with the plumber, Willie, the best way to control the massive flow of water. Plans were made at the house, more materials have arrived, preparing to pour concrete beams around the tops of the walls. Had some unique critter experiences that only showed up after we had preached the Gospel, only confirming even more that we are making a difference in the spiritual realm. It is a little after 3 pm and we head to Mikumi National Park. The Masanjus are anxious to show us the large animals of their country. After a couple of tries, we finally found a place of rest and turned in for the night.
Tuesday morning, we were served a fresh, hot breakfast at the Genesis Hotel (aka "Snake Park"). We loaded into the vehicle where we rode in a Land Rover with an open top, making the experience extra memorable. One of the first things that we saw was the male lion which was a rare find. However, we had prayed that we would see him. Zebra, elephants, wilderbeasts, warthogs, giraffes, etc all met us and posed for some great pictures. It was great to see God's creation in such splendor and detail! We headed back to the RCC which is a halfway point between where we were and Dar es Salaam where Geoffrey lives.
Life here is much different: farmland, and people walking for miles in places that seem like nowhere. Today in arriving at the Center, it was bittersweet, because of having to say goodbye. Tomorrow we will be unable to travel back due to others things that we will have to do before leaving Thursday morning. We arrived to the water tank sitting on top of the natural mound of dirt. The ditch of the water line going from the tank to the well (220 feet) and everything was in place. Kevin watched as Willie put the final piping to control water flow into a 1" pipe that extends 15 feet from the main stand pipe. All the workers laughed with amazement as the water flowing from the 4" pipe was reduced to the 1" pipe creating a permanent, strong stream of clean, cool water. God gave us His best today! The children came and for the first time, language barriers were seemingly broken as they showed us their games while the mothers participated. We took our last deep breathes and told our goodbyes and left for the Masanjus, arriving at 10 pm.
Everyone is tired and ready for a good nights sleep. Never give up on your dreams or your vision because with God all things are possible! Signing off!
Kevin and the Crew
The Plan, Phase One
The complete home of Geoffrey and Agnes Masanju
Children of Mlandizi
Sherry and Kevin were greeted by the children of Mlandizi, June 2009
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Kevin and Sherry with several children from the community of Mlandizi, Tanzania
About The Rickles
- The Rickles
- Hi, my name is Kevin Rickles I was born and raised in Alabama, and have lived in Pell City for the last 38 years. My wife Sherry and I have been married for twenty-one years and have three children. In July of 2007, my wife was asked to speak at a two week women's conference. After connecting with the Masanju family, we knew God had a plan for us in Tanzania. In June of 2009 we went back with “THE PLAN.” The plan was to complete the Masanjus home, but what took place still to this day has us in total awe of the power of God. What happens next is what launches “THE PLAN” Phase II. Come, allow me to walk you through a journey into a distant land that will forever abide in the depths of Sherry’s and my heart. Come, let’s go!
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